These New Orleans Chefs Are 2024 James Beard Award Semifinalists

New Orleans, Louisiana’s food scene is well known, but awards are the seasoning to the dish. The city is well represented among the most prestigious culinary and food prep experts in America for semifinalists for the 2024 James Beard Awards.

Whittled from an exhaustive list, the local semifinalists have a chance to take home the top prize and cement New Orleans’ place on the map as a bona fide cultural mecca with top-notch restaurants with diverse cuisine.

When Will The James Beard Awards Be Announced?

The winners will be celebrated at the James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards ceremony on Wednesday, April 3, 2024. After that, the James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards ceremony will be held on Monday, June 10 at the Lyric Opera of Chicago.

“We are thrilled for the return of the James Beard Awards—recognizing the outstandingly talented leaders making their mark on American food,” said Clare Reichenbach, CEO of the James Beard Foundation.
“As we’ve heard time and again from honorees, receiving this recognition has the potential to be truly
transformative—and so, the Awards remain a vital platform for supporting and elevating the independent
restaurant industry as a whole. Congratulations to our 2024 semifinalists and best of luck this Awards
cycle!”

And The New Orleans James Beard Award Finalists Are…

Outstanding Restaurateur

A restaurateur who uses their establishment(s) as a vehicle for building
community, demonstrates creativity in entrepreneurship and integrity in restaurant operations, and is
making efforts to create a sustainable work culture while contributing positively to their broader
community.

• Robert LeBlanc, LeBlanc + Smith (Sylvain, The Chloe, The Will & The Way, and others), New
  Orleans, LA

Best New Restaurant

A restaurant that already demonstrates excellence in cuisine, seems likely to make a significant impact in years to come, and demonstrates consistent excellence in food, atmosphere, hospitality, and operations.

• Dakar NOLA, New Orleans, LA

Outstanding Hospitality

A restaurant, bar, or other food and drinking establishment that fosters a sense of hospitality among its customers and staff that serves as a beacon to its broader community.

• Arnaud’s, New Orleans, LA

Outstanding Bar

A wine bar, beer bar, cocktail bar, coffee bar, that demonstrates consistent excellence in curating a selection of drinks.

• Jewel of the South, New Orleans, LA

Best Chef: South

• Melissa Araujo, Alma Cafe, New Orleans, LA
• Amarys Herndon and Jordan Herndon, Palm&Pine, New Orleans, LA
• Sophina Uong, Mister Mao, New Orleans, LA
• Arvinder Vilkhu, Saffron, New Orleans, LA

Here Is The Complete 2024 List Of James Beard Award Finalists

From the Best Chefs to the top bar programs, the James Beard Awards exemplify the utmost of America’s food culture, which Atlanta plays a big part in.

See the 2024 James Beard Award Semifinalists.

Final Word

Final Bite

Where the locals eat is where the good food is at for sure. As a top-tier convention city, New Orleans is known for its many festivals, parties and events. Is the city safe? Of course. That also means that Nola is also a top travel destination.

Want real-time tips on how to save when you’re on a trip? Read our Travel Savings Guide.